‘The Celebration’ Rocks the Cradle of Authoritarianism
Thomas Vinterberg’s acclaimed dark comedy The Celebration strongly evidences the root causes of humanity’s unrestrained aggression, bigotry, and fascist proclivities.
James A. Cosby
Jim is an attorney and an author in Philadelphia. Jim's first book, DEVIL'S MUSIC, HOLY ROLLERS, AND HILLBILLIES: HOW AMERICA GAVE BIRTH TO ROCK AND ROLL (McFarland, 2016) (Kirkus: "illuminating and intriguing"; Minnesota Public Radio Rock Book Club Selection), is featured at legendary Sun Studio and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jim was also just interviewed regarding the book by the Library of Congress. His follow-up book is ROCK MUSIC, AUTHORITY AND WESTERN CULTURE, 1964-1980 (McFarland, 2024): "Cosby's vivid, perceptive prose captures the visceral impact of rock music....The result is a compelling look at why, how, and where rock and roll moved us." -Kirkus Reviews ("Editor's Pick"); "seminal and ground-breaking" -Midwest Book Review, "[Cosby] expertly weaves together an intriguing and coherent story of rock and roll’s evolution....fantastic resource." -Library Journal. Jim has also published legal scholarship on children's rights and the Constitution, as well as writing on music-related topics as a regular contributor to PopMatters since 2013, and elsewhere.
‘Separation of Church and Hate’ Reclaims the Good Book
Comedian John Fugelsang organized The Separation of Church and Hate as a reference guide to encourage conversation about the Good Book during our fraught cultural-political times.
A Place to Bury Strangers Don’t Let Up on ‘Synthesizer’
The Loudest Band in the World, A Place to Bury Strangers, draw from seminal, post-punk influences while taking things to new places on Synthesizer.
Woke vs. MAGA Is Just Like the Disco vs. Rock Divide
Want to understand (and maybe start to reconcile) the Woke vs. MAGA divide? Start with the disco vs. rock divide of the 1970s.
A Freewheeling Questlove Drops a New Hit with ‘Hip-Hop Is History’
With its deft layering of words, its samples, and how it articulates sound, Questlove’s Hip-Hop Is History is like De La Soul’s excellent album 3 Feet High and Rising.
Rachel Maddow on the Bit Players’ Big Effects on Promoting American Fascism
Rachel Maddow’s latest book on political history, Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism, weaves varying players past into a singular danger present.
Immersed in America: The Creation of Elvis Presley
We know how Elvis Presley’s story reflects on American history, its music and mythology, but how did America help to create Elvis?
Chuck D’s Graphic Novel ‘Summer of Hamn’ Zeros in on “Hatriots” and More
With graphic novel Summer of Hamn, rap legend and now visual artist Chuck D has produced his second, strong, COVID-era work of art and social commentary.
Chuck D Adds Talented Visual Artist to His Resume with ‘Stewdio’
Chuck D’s style in his three-volume, Covid-era graphic novel STEWdio can be described as neo-expressionistic with images and text often intertwined like Jean-Michael Basquiat’s art.
John Lennon’s Work of Faith
Removed from the pandemonium of Beatlemania, John Lennon knew the limits of his influence. All he could do was sing his truth and suggest people “imagine” a better world for themselves. Or not.
The Excellent ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ Captures Just About Everything
Little Richard brought a sheer exhilaration that was sexual, spiritual, and joyous and put it to music like no other. Lisa Cortés excellent documentary does the man justice.
People Like This? Metallica’s Crossover Contribution to Reaction Videos
Watching Chris&RheasiaTv’s reaction video to Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” illustrates the power of these crossover connections.